Hey there, Heidi!
It is so exciting that you are planning a
Walt Disney World vacation. It truly is the
Most Magical Place on Earth and my family and I have made so many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime while visiting.
The
Disney Dining Plan is wildly popular. I know my family and I have used it on numerous Walt Disney World vacations and have always had a great experience with it. It was really nice to have every aspect of a Walt Disney World vacation paid for ahead of time. It really was a great addition to a trip there.
Heidi, right now the Disney Dining Plan is not being offered as an add-on to a Walt Disney World vacation. It has not yet returned to us since the reopening of Walt Disney World in 2020. The good news is that we do have confirmation from the
Disney Parks Blog that there are plans in the works to bring it back but we just aren't sure as to when. I've been keeping an eye out for any other information about this but that's the last update that we've had so far.
If while you are planning your Walt Disney World vacation the Disney Dining Plan is released for an add-on to a vacation package, you can upgrade to include it at that time. Previously, Guests had up to 48 hours prior to their reservation to add it and I really do think it will look similar to this again. So don't let that stop you from planning your vacation.
A money-saving/budgeting thing I am doing to replace the Disney Dining Plan is to collect
Disney Gift Cards to use on food and drinks while at Walt Disney World. I find it similar to the Disney Dining Plan because it is paid for ahead of time and has to be used for something at Walt Disney World. Disney Gift Cards can be purchased at most major retail locations. I like to grab mine while grocery shopping. It doesn't add a lot to my bill but I am always amazed at how quickly they can add up.
I hope this helps, Heidi. If you have any other questions about this, please feel free to stop back by and
ask me.
Happy planning!
Jackie H.